Biodiversity Program Coordinator

Competition No: 3573
Department: Faculty of Science - University of Alberta
Position Type: Support Staff- Auxilliary
Salary Range: $67,947.10 to $93,141.96
Grade: 9
Hours: 40

Apply Before: 11:55 PM March 18, 2026

About the Team

The Faculty of Science is internationally recognized for excellence in research and education. Through pioneering discovery and innovation, the faculty addresses global challenges across disciplines such as biology, chemistry, computing science, physics, mathematics, and earth sciences. Its work positions the university at the forefront of technological, environmental, and scientific advancement.

Job Description

This position has a term length of 1 year plus 1 day, with the possibility of renewal.

Location -   This position offers a flexible work arrangement, allowing for a combination of remote and in-office work (in Edmonton) based on work preferences. Preference for schedule will be discussed during the recruitment process.

Position Summary

Based at the Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Institution (ABMI), the Biodiversity Program Coordinator plays a pivotal role focused on the facilitation and coordination of the CanAvian network. The role will focus on the strategic development and operational management of the CanAvian partnership and data space. The Coordinator will serve as the central liaison for the steering committee and all network partners, ensuring alignment with the CanAvian vision.

The ideal candidate will be instrumental in facilitating, establishing and managing the network's governance structure, fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders, and organizing key events and workshops. This role is essential for promoting the adoption of shared data standards that adhere to best practices in data sharing (FAIR, CARE, OCAP, etc.) and developing sustainable business plans for the service providers who support the network's long-term delivery model.

The role involves close collaboration with a wide array of stakeholders across Canada, requiring strong communication skills and an ability to bridge the gap between field biologists and data scientists. By developing the tools and governance policies necessary for effective data sharing, the CanAvian Network Coordinator will directly support the conservation of Canada's bird populations.

CanAvian, the Canadian Network for Open Avian Data, is a collaborative initiative dedicated to unlocking the power of avian monitoring data for science, conservation, and policy. It aims to bring together a broad partnership of government agencies, non-governmental organizations, academia, and Indigenous communities to develop and implement a national framework for avian data collection, sharing and analysis. The network's core mission is to make high-quality, standardized avian data findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable (FAIR) nationally and internationally.

Responsibilities

Facilitates Collaborative Programs:

• Facilitates the development of applied biodiversity programs that support the needs of end-users, partners, and collaborators.
• Establishes and coordinates multi-stakeholder committees and working groups for collaborative initiatives (e.g., steering committee).
• Fosters and maintains ongoing relationships with multiple external project collaborators.
• Provides leadership and expertise related to the collaborative planning and implementation of applied programs.
• Develop collaborative relationships with appropriate collaborators and service providers, such as national (e.g., Birds Canada, Biodiversity Pathways, Ocean Tracking Network) and international (e.g., GBIF, TDWG, AKN, Cornell) collaborators to drive the establishment of a shared vision and long-term delivery,

Directs and Undertakes Project Work

• Ensures the successful completion of work plans on time and on budget through effective project management, including tracking deliverables and interdependencies, breaking down and prioritizing tasks, ensuring open lines of communication across project teams, and coordinating frequent team meetings and discussions.
• Supports the full project lifecycle, including initiation (e.g., proposal writing, scoping with government/forestry partners), planning, delivery, data management and analysis, project performance and control, and reporting.
• Schedules, organizes and facilitates project meetings and workshops, including tracking and following up with project team members on action items.
• Maintains project documentation (e.g., work plans, risk logs, decision records, partner communications).

Supports Knowledge Dissemination

• Develops and delivers project presentation material to drive knowledge sharing.
• Communicates project outcomes in written and oral form to non-technical and technical audiences, including contributions to peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, and web content.
• Supports communication and reporting initiatives to raise awareness.

Qualifications
 

• BSc in natural science, ecology, geography, biological sciences, environmental science, forestry, or related discipline. MSc or PhD in ecology, environment, forestry, or natural resource management is considered an asset.
• More than 3 years of working experience in the field of ecology, biodiversity monitoring, or a related field, with excellent organizational, writing, and interpersonal skills. 
• Excellent writing, interpersonal, and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Self-motivated with a proactive approach to problem-solving and a high degree of adaptability.
• Direct experience managing multi-partner/multi-year projects (Government/Forestry sectors) is preferred.
• Formal project management training and experience using project management tools/software is considered an asset.
• Formal or informal leadership experience is considered an asset.
• A valid Alberta Class 5 (non-GDL) driver’s license is required.

Application Instructions

Click "Apply Now" to submit your cover letter and resume.

This position is subject to all applicable terms and conditions of the collective agreement between the Governors of the University of Alberta and the Non-Academic Staff Association (NASA).

This position offers a comprehensive benefits package.

About Us

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all FirstPeoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.

The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people - from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.

At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.

All University employees have a responsibility to foster a workplace that prioritizes safety in all its forms—physical, cultural, and psychological. This is achieved by promoting a safe environment, adhering to all safety laws, policies and procedures, completing all required safety training, identifying hazards and implementing controls, reporting incidents, and contributing to a culture of belonging and respect, while endeavoring to ensure that all colleagues feel valued and safe to express their thoughts, perspectives and concerns.

The University of Alberta is committed to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women, First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons, members of visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.

L’Université de l’Alberta s’engage à créer une communauté universitaire où chaque personne se sent valorisée, où les obstacles à la réussite sont éliminés et où des connexions enrichissantes peuvent se développer. Nous accueillons les demandes de toutes les personnes qualifiées. Nous encourageons les femmes; Premières nations, Métis et Inuits; membres des groupes minoritaires visibles; personnes handicapées; personnes de toute orientation sexuelle ou identité et expression de genre; et toutes les personnes qui peuvent contribuer à la diversification des idées et à l'université à postuler.